Guilded Lily

my first Chaîne event

The beginnings of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs go back. Way way back. Like 1248 back ... when Louis IX, the French King later canonized as Saint Louis, ordered the establishment of several professional guilds including that of the “Ayeurs” or goose roasters.

the crest

The purpose of the guild was to improve the technical knowledge of its members: apprentices, tradesmen and masters. During the reign of Louis XII in 1509, the guild’s knowledge was extended to include the preparation of other meats and poultry, including game, and it took the name “Rôtisseurs”. The French Revolution disbanded the guild system in 1793 and along with it,  La Chaîne. But fast forward to 1950 when the association was revived and re-established.

ribbon and medallion worn by a Chevalier or Dame de La Chaîne

Headquartered in Paris, today La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs - International Association of Gastronomy is a truly international society constantly developing and expanding. Represented in all five continents, the Association is dedicated to preserving the traditions and practices of the old guild in a completely contemporary and international context. Its roster of more than 25,000 members around the world consists of both professionals (like restauranteurs and sommeliers) and non-professionals.

On Sunday I joined the local chapter of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for a truly gourmet luncheon presented by one of the finest chefs in South Africa, David Higgs of 500, the signature restaurant at the Hotel Saxon.

the official welcome

Our friends who are La Chaîne members (members wear really great jewelry by the way!) had a guest cancel at the last minute. Would I be interested in taking her place? Uh yeah. I felt a little bad at first because Vince was in Dubai and couldn't participate. But I managed to get over my moment of hesitation pretty darn quick.

La Chaîne produces a variety of events throughout the year all over the world, from brunches to lunches to dinners to very formal banquets in keeping with its aim to promote the serving of fine food and wine in every form. I was told this was probably one of the more "casual" events - as casual as possible anyway with all that bling hanging around everyone's neck!

The French do love their confréries (brotherhoods or fraternities.) Although now they are no longer for men only. There is much more égalité in their fraternité. And to prove it, the head of the Johannesburg chapter of  La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a woman.

on our way to Clos de Vougeot

The protocol and tradition on display at the Saxon did remind me of a dinner Vince and I once attended many years ago at the Château du Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy. That particular banquet was presented by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, another brotherhood whose purpose is to promote the enjoyment of food and wine, this time though exclusively in Burgundy. It too is an international organization with members all over the world.

These events provide a glimpse into a rarefied world of gastronomy where the pursuit of quality and a love of pageantry are still on display. If you ever get a chance to experience it first hand, do not hesitate.